Imran for me. I don't think he gets his proper due in the discussion for the "best pace bowlers of all time". I personally only rank Marshal and Hadlee above him. His record against the WI, the most dominating team of the era, is excellent. He averages 21.18 with an economy of 2.91. Compare that to some other greats like Lillee (ave 27.74, eco 3.42) or Hadlee (ave 22.03, eco 2.69) and Imran fares well. Imran also has a great record against India, with their traditionally strong batting lineup (while bowling to them on the flat pitches of the subcontinent). His devastating spell of 40 wickets in a series has to be one of the greatest bowling performances ever. Wasim is probably the most talented bowler I've ever seen, but his overall record is inferior to Imran. Imran definitely achieved more.

Wasim is probably the most talented bowler I've ever seen, but his overall record is inferior to Imran. Imran definitely achieved more.

Fair points.

I think a lot depends on whether ODIs are factored into the equation. For myself, unless specified, I only look at Test cricket. In ODIs Wasim has a legitimate claim to being one the best ever but in Tests he isn't in that group.

Since u guys are so much anti Wasim ....and pro statistics ,i have to say ....that what Imran achieved 362 wickets ,Wasim took 4 tests less than to the total tests of Imran to achiev that tally.

With a higher average, economy, and strike rate. I'm not the type who goes by stats alone. I make my judgment after watching someone play, reading about them from those I respect (including their peers), factoring in any number of intangibles, and finally comparing stats.

Imran. As Fus said, his achievements are astonishing, really. I'd say he can quite easily be called the best seamer ever to come from the subcontinent if you look properly.

In Tests (saw him in the 1999 WC and he was awesome of course) I only ever saw Wasim when he was past his best (2000\01) and obviously only saw 1 Imran game live (1992 WC final, when I was 6 so couldn't really appreciate much other than that he bowled in the right areas). Have seen the both of them bowl loads in highlights packages, tributes, etc. and they're both awesome.

Wasim, though, underachieved for mine. Imran, on the other hand, wrung pretty well every last drop from his bowling talents, and that's before you even get onto his batting and captaincy.